Rongai Route 7 Days

Rongai route begins at the remote, northern side of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border. We hike through a true wilderness area towards the jagged Mawenzi Peak, then cross a barren desert saddle, before climbing up Kibo’s eastern crater wall.

The Rongai route is a more gradual ascent, and is therefore preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience, but is equally enjoyable for even the most hardened trekkers. This is Our First Choice when choosing The Rongai Route and it Takes 7 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro.

The climb begins and ends in Moshi.

Day 1

Arriving any time at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a private transfer waiting at the Airport to pickup you to the hotel in Moshi where is noted for overnight stay.

We will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.

We will also check and confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

Day 2

After completing the necessary registration formalities at the Rongai National Park gate,  The climb begins at the gate (1,950 m/ 6500 ft) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing whitetail.

The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m/ 9,000ft.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4 hours walking, Distance 8 km/5 miles, Habitat- Rain forest zone]

Day 3

This is only a morning walk up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m/ 11,300 ft). The walk is steady uphill with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. The afternoon can be spent enjoying the view over the Kenyan plains or doing a short acclimatisation walk up towards Third Cave. [3-4 hours walking, Distance 6 km/4 miles, Habitat-Heather and moorland zone]

Day 4

We now leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3600 m/ 11,800 ft).

After a hot lunch there is time to wander in the valleys and see the special vegetation. [2.5-3.5 hours walking, Distance 6 km/4 miles, Habitat- Alpine desert zone]

Day 5

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m/ 14,150 ft), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.

The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation. [3-4 hours walking, Distance 5 km/3 miles, Habitat-Alpine desert zone]

Day 6

We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m/ 15,450 ft) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking, Distance 8 km/5 miles, Habitat- Alpine desert zone]

Day 7

We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 12 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m/ 18,600 ft).

We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to  Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/ 19,340 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.

The descent to Kibo (4,700 m/15,450 ft) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m/ 12,200 ft.). [11-15 hours walking, Distance 20 km/14 miles, Habitat- Summit zone]

Day 8

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700 m/ 8,8500 ft), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m/ 6,000 ft). [5-6 hours walking, Distance 20 km/12 miles, Habitat-Rain forest zone].

Day 9

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and fly back home.